Spotlight Artifacts5/30

Stevie Wonder Harmonica

Design Photography, Inc.

Main Exhibit Hall - Cities and Sounds, Detroit
Stevie Wonder has spent his entire recording career with Motown Records. Born Steveland Judkins Morris in Saginaw, Michigan, Wonder has been blind since birth. He was brought to Motown at age 10 by Ronnie White of the Miracles. His prodigious talents led Berry Gordy to declare him “a little wonder.” First cast as a child version of Ray Charles, Wonder broke out with the massive hit “Fingertips (Part 2)” in 1963. He enjoyed a number of hits through the Sixties, including “I Was Made to Love Her” and “Uptight.” Upon turning 21, Wonder forced Gordy to renegotiate his contract and won complete artistic control. Wonder followed with a creative run that is virtually unparalleled. Between 1972 and 1976, he released the albums Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness’ First Finale and Songs in the
Key of Life, which established him as the dominant musical talent of the era. Wonder has used his position to advocate for social justice and progressive causes around the world. He continues to tour and record. Stevie Wonder was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 1989.